Fruth, Cardinal renew Rx distribution pact

Late last month the regional drug chain that operates 25 locations in southwestern West Virginia and southern Ohio renewed its agreement to have Cardinal Health act as its primary pharmaceutical distributor for another three years.

Under the terms of the agreement Dublin, Ohio-based Cardinal Health will continue to serve as Fruth’s primary distributor for pharmaceuticals, and the two companies will collaborate on initiatives designed to improve efficiencies at Fruth’s pharmacies.

“Cardinal Health’s flexibility and superior technology have made them a great partner,” Fruth Pharmacy chairman and president Lynne Fruth says.

“We appreciate their team-oriented approach to helping us improve our cost effectiveness and efficiency, which has played an important role in our continued success,” she says.

Fruth says the renewed deal is part of the 60-year-old company’s ongoing effort to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving retailing and health care arena. “We look to 2012 as a year to make significant investments,” she said earlier this year.

Executives at Cardinal say the renewed deal validates the efforts the wholesaler has been making to meet its customers’ evolving needs.

“We look forward to continuing to deliver flexible and innovative new pharmaceutical distribution services that help Fruth Pharmacy continue to offer high-touch, personalized care to patients throughout Ohio and West Virginia,” national vice president for retail markets Steve Mason says.